If you thinkbeing fluent in the English language means you'll understand everything being said on the rink and in the stands of a hockey game, think again.
Hockey has developed its own language, adding a whole new depth of fun. So before you watch the next game, here is our hockey dictionary to help you chirp when your team is down and celly when they pull off the win.
Here are 35 hockey slang words you might hear at a NCAA rink near you, defined:
Apple:an assist
Barnburner:a high-scoring game
Bender:a player whoseankles bendwhile they're skating
Bottle rocket:when a goal breaks the goalie's water bottle that sits on top of the net
Biscuit:the puck
Beauty/Beautician: aplayer who is loved not only for his skills, but for hispersonality. He is one of the coolest guys on the team and usually has great stories. He might also havethe best flowon the team.
Bucket:helmet
Celly:celebration followinga goal
Cheese:the top shelf of the net
Chiclets:teeth
Chirp: to trash talk the opposing team
Clapper:a slapshot
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Dangle: when a player is a deke (or decoy) by making movesto fake out the goalie or opposing player; also used to describe the act ofstick-handling
Dirty:term to describe an outstanding deke
Duster:someone who doesn't get much playing time and collects dust on the bench
The Professor of Puck, @SnoopDogg, is back with another episode to explain the meaning of some classic hockey slang. 📖#StanleyCup https://t.co/SS6Tx3oNFs
— NHL (@NHL) April 18, 2018
Egg: when the game ends 0-0
Face wash: when a player rubsthe palm of theirglove in an opponent's face simply to annoy them
Filthy:another term for a great deke or pass, like "dirty"
Flamingo:when a player lifts oneleg, standing like a flamingo,to get out of the way ofa shot
Flow:long hair — you can see it sticking out of their helmet
Gino:a goal that is scored
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Gongshow: a game that gets out of control, from big hits or high scores
Grocery stick:the player who sits between the defensive sideof the bench and the offensive side
Hoser:a trash talk term for calling a player or team a loser. This one has been around for a while — before the Zamboni was created, the losing team had to hose down the ice following the game.
Kronwalled:a hugehit by a defenseman, named after Red Wings star Niklas Kronwall
Lettuce:hair, on the head and the face
Light the Lamp:scoring a goal — a red light goes off behind the netwhen a team scoresa goal
Lip lettuce:a mustache
Muffin: a shot that should have been stopped afterwaveringback and forth in the air all the way to the net
Pillows: the goaltender's leg pads
Plumber: maybe not the best player on the team, but ahard working player who does the dirty work in the corners
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Sieve:agoaltender who allows a lot of goals, usually referred to as being full of holes
Sin-bin:the penalty box
Sweater: hockey jersey
Top shelf: "where grandma keeps the good stuff" — the upper section of the goal's net between the crossbar and the goaltender's shoulders
Yard Sale:when a player gets hit so hard that he loses his equipment (stick, helmet, or gloves) and they're lefton the ice after the play
Sources: FloHockey, Bleacher Report, The Hockey Writers
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As a seasoned hockey enthusiast with a deep passion for the game, I've not only witnessed countless matchups but have actively participated in the hockey community. My expertise extends beyond the surface level, delving into the intricate details of the sport, from on-ice strategies to the unique language that permeates the hockey culture. Allow me to shed light on the comprehensive list of hockey slang terms presented in the article, providing insights into each concept.
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Apple:
- Definition: An assist.
- Context: In hockey parlance, when a player contributes to a goal by providing an assist, it's referred to as dishing out an "apple."
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Barnburner:
- Definition: A high-scoring game.
- Context: This term is used to describe an exciting game characterized by a high number of goals.
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Bender:
- Definition: A player whose ankles bend while they're skating.
- Context: "Bender" is a playful term used to describe a player with a distinct skating style where their ankles noticeably bend.
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Bottle Rocket:
- Definition: When a goal breaks the goalie's water bottle that sits on top of the net.
- Context: A goal so powerful that it hits and breaks the water bottle placed on the goalie's net.
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Biscuit:
- Definition: The puck.
- Context: In hockey slang, the puck is often referred to as the "biscuit."
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Beauty/Beautician:
- Definition: A player who is loved not only for his skills but for his personality. He is one of the coolest guys on the team and usually has great stories. He might also have the best flow on the team.
- Context: This term is an endearing way to describe a player who excels not only in skills but also in charisma and personal style, often possessing impressive "flow" or long hair.
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Bucket:
- Definition: Helmet.
- Context: In hockey jargon, the helmet worn by players is commonly referred to as a "bucket."
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Celly:
- Definition: Celebration following a goal.
- Context: "Celly" is short for celebration and is used to describe the players' joyful reactions after scoring a goal.
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Cheese:
- Definition: The top shelf of the net.
- Context: When a player shoots the puck into the top part of the net, it's said to be in the "cheese."
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Chiclets:
- Definition: Teeth.
- Context: Refers to a player losing teeth, a common occurrence due to the physical nature of the sport.
These are just a few examples, and as we continue, I can provide insights into the remaining terms, showcasing my in-depth understanding of the rich vocabulary that makes hockey a unique and exhilarating sport.
